Police Issue Warning over Nitrous Oxide Use

Police in Dacorum are warning the public about the dangers of nitrous oxide following an increase in reports of people using the drug in Hemel Hempstead.

Officers from the Hemel Hempstead North, Rural, West and Central Safer Neighbourhood Team (SNT) have recently received information about groups of people regularly gathering on Blackbirds Moor, near Boxmoor Cricket Club, where they are inhaling the gas.

Sergeant Paul Conway, who leads the Hemel Hempstead North, Rural, West and Central SNT, said: ‘We have been made aware of young people congregating on Blackbirds Moor where they are believed to be taking nitrous oxide.

‘Young people must realise that this seemingly harmless activity can actually cause serious damage to their health, or worse. It is important that we raise awareness of this potentially dangerous activity and we ask families to support us by talking to their children about the risks.

‘As part of our response to this issue, we are including this area on our patrol plans even more frequently and are working closely with local councillors to crack down on this activity.

‘The use of nitrous oxide is not illegal, however selling or giving it away for recreational purposes is prohibited under the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016. Those who are found to be doing so can face a fine and a prison sentence of up to seven years.’

Nitrous oxide (N2O) – also known as ‘laughing gas’, ‘Nos’, and ‘hippie crack’ – is often used as a cheap recreational drug, but many people may not be aware of the dangerous side effects.

While nitrous oxide is not a dangerous substance if used correctly, it can become addictive. The gas is usually used for medical purposes and is always given with oxygen or air under supervision.

But if taken incorrectly the user may risk injury, or even death, from lack of oxygen. This is because when it enters the lungs, the gas displaces the air and temporarily prevents as much – or in some cases, any – oxygen getting into the blood.

The act of ingesting the gas is called ‘ballooning’ as users often use a balloon to capture the nitrous oxide from the canister before inhaling. The drug’s effects can vary from person to person but the most common are dizziness, a feeling of euphoria, sounds becoming distorted and hallucinations.

However when used on a long-term basis, it can lead to a number of health issues including incontinence and nerve damage.

For further information on nitrous oxide and its effects, you can visit the Talk to Frank website.

If you have any information about particular areas where you believe people may be using nitrous oxide, please contact police. You can report information online at herts.police.uk/report, talk to one of the Force Communication Room operators via web chat at herts.police.uk/contact, or call the non-emergency number 101.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit their website www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can tell the Constabulary what matters most to you about policing, crime or anti-social behaviour in Dacorum using echo. Go to bit.ly/police-dacorum and have your say.